Militants Have Intensified Violence Against Alawite and Christian Enclaves That Back Regime

HAMBOUSHIEH, Syria—Rebels have intensified attacks in recent months on core regime supporters in Syria, creating fear among some that the government can no longer defend them.

The opposition is targeting areas including western Latakia province and towns north of the capital Damascus where Alawite and Christian minorities that back President Bashar al-Assad are concentrated.